Belize Tightening Security on Mexican Border  

Tensions up north have been on the rise as acts of violence in Chetumal, Mexico continue to plague the city. These violent crimes are due to heightened cartel activity in the area which many Belizeans are concerned will spill over into Corozal. We spoke with Minister of Home Affairs & New Growth Industries, Kareem Musa, who said that Belizeans can rest assured that the increase of border security has been a primary mission.

 

Reporter

“We know a couple days ago you held a meeting with the police department and other stakeholders in a free zone. Can you talk a little bit about the police’s operations to ensure that narco activity doesn’t trickle into Belize?”

 

Kareem Musa, Minister, Home Affairs & New Growth Industries

“I cannot go in too much detail. As approximately a year ago we commenced operations in the north of our country along the Rio Hondo in particular villages. Along the Rio Hondo and in the Corozal free zone as well. And so the meetings that we had earlier this week was with the Ministry of Defense and Border security along with minister Marin, minister Mira of course general Loria. In terms of our collaborative efforts along the border to not just continue the good work that this unit has been doing, but to increase our presence along the border in light of the recent buildup in Chetumal. So we are deploying further personnel and again, I cannot go into further detail, but I can say we are deploying additional personnel.”

 

Reporter

“How successful was that operation?”

 

Kareem Musa

“I would say it’s been successful so far. I think one of the biggest threats coming out of the activities that have been taking place in Chetumal and the response by the Mexican government to deploy some two hundred National Guard and Marines is that there is a likelihood, a possibility rather that some of these individuals may try to seek safe haven in our country. And so it really is about preserving and protecting our borders so that these individuals do not come across.”